FAQs

BAIL BONDS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For the last 16 years, we have been a professional bail bonding company, providing prompt and affordable 24-hour bail bonding services for families in Columbus and the surrounding areas. You can put your trust in our professional team to assist you as soon as possible and help you get out of jail fast. Below will help you understand how bail does work and how we can help you. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Q: WHAT ARE BAIL BONDS?

A: Bail bonds, technically called a “surety bond”, is a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a state licensed bail bondsman who is backed by an insurance company. The bail agent guarantees to the court payment of the full amount of the bond if the defendant fails to appear for their scheduled court appearances. For your protection, always deal with licensed bail bond company.

Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF BAIL BONDS?

A: In Ohio, the cost of a bail bond is ten percent of the bail. This rate is set by the state of Ohio and is non-negotiable. In addition, there are state fees that vary according to charge. Typically, these range between $50 – $100. There are no taxes for a bail bond. By example, if the bail is set at $25,000, then the fee charged is $2500 plus the $50-$100 state fee.

Q: CAN I FIND AFFORDABLE BAIL BONDS?

A: The cost of bail bonds in Ohio is set with the Department of Insurance at ten percent of the total bail amount. We often get the questions from potential clients: “Can you do it for less?”, “Would you take five percent if I pay cash?” Any agent offering bail at less than ten percent in the State of Ohio is simply acting illegally or deceptively (bail bond scam). We will work with you to find the best situation to obtain bail in a legal manner.

Q: DO YOU NEGOTIATE PREMIUM?

A: No one in Ohio can legally negotiate bail premium. It is set by State statute at 10 percent.

Q: HOW DO I PAY FOR THE BAIL BONDS?

A: When arranging bail, companies generally need payment in advance of “posting” a bond for the release of a detainee. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

We know the cost of the bail bond is more than many people have at hand. Therefore we offer various payment options, flexible financing and payment plans when acquiring a bail bond. In many cases, we can offer no collateral bail bonds.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON IS ARRESTED?

A: Generally, when an individual is arrested they will be taken to a local law enforcement station for processing and booking. Processing and booking include fingerprinting, pictures, and nation-wide computer database searches. It can take many hours, but in smaller jails, it generally happens more quickly. Bail cannot be arranged until the arrest process is complete.

Q: WHAT IS “O.R.”?

A: Defendants can be released on their “Own Recognizance,” also known as “ROR”. This is usually reserved for lesser crimes. Only a judge can decide to release a detainee on ROR. In such a case, the defendant is released with a written promise to appear in court and no bail is required.

Q: CAN I JUST PAY THE JAIL FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE BAIL?

A: Yes, you can. To be released on cash bail, an individual must post the full amount of the bail with the court in the form of cash or a credit card. In order to post cash bail, an individual should check with the bail clerk to verify forms of payment accepted in an individual jurisdiction as different courts may have other options or restrictions. The source of funds for large bail generally must be verified to ensure that funds come from legal sources.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR BAILING SOMEBODY OUT OF JAIL?

A: Generally, a bail bond company will be contacted by phone to begin the bail procedure. During the initial phone consultation, most companies will ask for information about your situation in order to determine the risk involved in the bond and begin the approval process. Once the bail bond is approved, the customer will need to sign basic bail bond documents including an application, Indemnity Agreement, and receipt. After the paperwork is finalized and payment has been made, a licensed bondsman will “post” the bail bond at the jail.

Q: CAN YOUR COMPANY QUICKLY HANDLE BAIL BONDS FOR ANY JAIL IN OHIO?

A: From start to finish, most bail bonds are completed in one to two hours. We are also able to handle bail bond documentation by fax in a matter of minutes. In addition, we also have a strategic network of licensed agents throughout Central Ohio who can “post” bail bonds at the appropriate jail.

Q: DO YOU OFFER FINANCING OR PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS?

A: We realize that the cost of a bail bond may be more than you have readily available. If you qualify, we can work out a payment plan.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DEFENDANT IS NOT BAILED OUT?

A: If the defendant is not bailed out, he or she will generally remain in custody until the matter has been resolved in court.

BAIL BOND COLLATERAL

Q: WHAT IS COLLATERAL?

A: Collateral is something of value that is used to secure a debt or ensure payment. Sometimes, a bail bond company will receive collateral in order to ensure that the defendant appears in court. Most bail bond collateral is in the form of real estate or cash. A bail bond company must return your collateral at the resolution of the case.

Q: DO I ALWAYS NEED COLLATERAL FOR BAIL BONDS?

A:No there are other ways to post bond without collateral. We often negotiate no collateral bail bonds. These are called signature bonds. We find that most of our customers are eligible for a signature bond.

Q: IF I USE COLLATERAL FOR BAIL BONDS, WHEN DO I GET IT BACK?

A: When the defendant’s case has been completed and all financial obligations are satisfied, collateral is returned to the individual who pledged it.

Q: WILL THE COURT TAKE MY PROPERTY AS BAIL COLLATERAL?

A: Yes, the court will take your property as bail collateral. However, because Property Bonds involve real estate and can be likened to the buying or selling of a home, the process usually takes several weeks. Equity in the property must be exceed the total bond amount.

BAIL BONDS RESPONSIBILITIES

Q: IF I BAIL SOMEBODY OUT OF JAIL, WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY?

A: When you bail someone out of jail, you are called the bail bonds indemnitor. You take full responsibility for the defendant to show up in court when you bail someone out of jail. Most issues with an appearance in court are easily resolved and rarely escalate beyond a simple phone call.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF A DEFENDANT IS BAILED OUT AND FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT?

A: If the “failure-to-appear” in court was a simple mistake, then the bail bond company or an attorney can usually make arrangements for the defendant to return to court. Courts generally understand that people get sick, traffic or car problems arise and other unforeseen circumstances occur. This is most commonly the situation and is easily remedied.

Q: HOW DO WE KNOW WE CAN TRUST YOUR BAIL BOND COMPANY?

A: We are a family business and we pride ourselves on our professionalism and we have been in business for nearly ten years. You can know to trust our company by verifying our bail bond license status by contacting the Ohio Department of Insurance.